Summer Knight by Jim Butcher

Here we go again, folks with another Jim Butcher novel. Let's face it. I'm a fan.

In this installment of The Dresden Files, our heroic- wizard- gumshoe, Harry Dresden senses a power imbalance between his hometown of Chicago and the Nevernever. Harry's questionable antics and jobs find him contending with the White Court of Wizards, the Red Court of the Undead and the Summer and Winter Courts of the Fae. Not to mention, toads raining from the sky.

Faerie Queen Mab of Winter is accused of murdering the Knight of Faerie Queen Titania of Summer. Harry Dresden 's investigative services are hired as Queen Mab seeks to clear her name of this accusation. The situation makes him an emissary for the Winter Queen, a position he isn't too happy about. Not only does Harry contend with the Courts of the supernatural he must also overcome his personal struggles of being able to pay rent  and his relationship with his girlfriend, Susan. Harry is embittered by the events of the previous book "Grave Peril," leaving him quite jaded. Jim Butcher paints Harry as hardened, gritty and cynical. However, with the help of his friends both natural and supernatural, the mystery of the Summer Knight unfolds. 

It's a race against time to uncover "who dunnit" before war breaks out between the Fae Queens. Readers are thrown into a thrilling loop filled with action-packed sequences and sudden dangerous spaces including a Walmart Garden Center. "Summer Knight" is compelling, emotional and entertaining while also providing funny unexpected moments and self-deprecating humor. The News-Star, a publication from Louisiana praises Butcher's fun and fast-paced style. Both character development and Butcher's writing style are evident, and I couldn't agree more. Like the News-Star, I'm left wanting more.

Fans of mythological lore and the supernatural, who also prefer the groundedness of urban fantasy will enjoy Dresden, the gun-tooting, spell-casting hero. If any of what was said here catches your interest, you'll love this series.

For more on Jim Butcher, visit jim-butcher.com. "VENTAS SERVITAS!"

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

Greetings Bababook Buds! Today's entry touches on the country of my parental origin, the Philippines.

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay tells the coming-of-age story of Jason Reguero and his search for the truth, during President Duterte's campaign on the war on drugs. Jason is a seventeen-year-old Filipino American living in Michigan. The plan: graduate from high school, get into a good college, work hard, and get paid, while sneaking in a video game or two. However, Jason is rather reluctant after hearing of his sister's college experiences; but feels no alternative. Jason's life trajectory changes when he gets wind of his cousin Jun's murder. According to his family, Jun's involvement with drugs led to his untimely death. For Jason, Jun's kind and benevolent personality and the nature of his death seem suspicious. Jason then sets out to find what happened and heads to the Philippines.

The book is filled with nuances relatable to many Filipino Americans. There are moments of pride from a community that experienced colonialism, the struggle for independence, and perseverance toward an honorable place in the world. At first, the story seems exclusive to young Filipino American adults. However, as seen in other cultures, family, togetherness, and justice are touched on. While there were frustrating moments in the book that drove one to insanity, one can't help but understand the reasons for these actions. Although it is labeled a Young Adult book, adults can understand the gravity of Jason's situation.

As a Filipino-American, it was validating for Ribay to shed light on the toxicity surrounding familial sanctity. I shared the book with my sister. After reading it she felt the same. It made me think of the morals we were taught and our family ties. We're taught to live a good and righteous life. But, the righteous things you were taught to demonstrate are discouraged in fear of rising above modesty or bringing unwanted attention. In the grand scheme, what is defined as truly unsavory behavior and sought-after justice becomes a gray area. Randy Ribay eloquently brings this to light is what I love reading in this book. 

Some chapters brought me to tears. The sheer transparency of having felt seen was cathartic. Hard truths come about as the mystery of Jason's questions unfolds. The resolutions compel and make this a poignant read, worthy of your TBR list.

For a closer look into Randy Ribay, visit his BIO or IG page for more.

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

 

 

Greetings mystery readers! Here we are again. Only recently have I settled to the point where I can read and review a book. I was inspired to read this book after Lily Gladstone won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Mollie Burkhart in the movie adaptation of the same title. This book has a special place in me. I am married to a Native American family. Although the characters in the book and my family come from different tribes, my family stands united in the fair representation of their communities. Do I love this book? Love is a very strong and contradicting word considering the awful circumstances the Osage Nation experienced. But, hating the book is out of the question. Do I recommend people read it...absolutely. The growth and emergence of anything and everything that compels us to be better is always a good recommendation for books to be read.  

David Grann recounts a time in U.S. history during the 1920s when one of the wealthiest communities in America were members of the Osage Nation. This was due to the discovery of oil within the Indian reservations in Oklahoma. Among the Osage was Mollie Burkhart, whose family had become rich because of black gold. However, she witnesses her family members being killed consecutively under mysterious circumstances. With the rising death toll, the case was taken up by the newly created FBI, led by a young J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover, along with the help of a former Texas Ranger named Tom White, these efforts infiltrated the last remnants of the Wild West and uncovered one of the most terrifying conspiracies in American history, later known as the Reign of Terror. The book presents an attempt at justice for human life. Murder and betrayal must never be the means of living. It also shows effort at courage. It doesn't matter how long it takes. The wicked are vanquished just so as long as love and courage prevail. Like most stories of the same theme, everything covered in racial prejudice brings all kinds of wrongs to any scene or community. In addition to these, it describes the ugliness men with greed have over one another. Despite what was said about J. Edgar Hoover, the creation of the FBI was a step in the United States continuing to be united.

This book is a must-read for history buffs, advocates for a better world, and anyone curious about American Indigenous cultures and populations. For this book, Mollie Burkhart is such a key character. The interesting thing was that she didn't say a whole lot but listened. She carried herself with such a feminine power. Without her, this story could not have come to light. 

The author has done an outstanding job of incorporating the writings of John Joseph Mathews. Mathews observed that in April, Spring flowers were scattered across the Oklahoma prairie. He referred to them as "gods leaving confetti." However, these flowers are eventually covered by larger May flora, stealing light and eventually killing off the April flowers as coyotes howl to the bright full moon. The poetic observation becomes a metaphor for David Grann's story and the title of the book. There is something truly noteworthy about labeled genres. In fiction, it is known as "mystery", while in non-fiction it's referred to as "true crime". Essentially, both are a kind of mystery to be uncovered, with their revealed facts and investigative processes. What people do with that information is open to interpretation. David Grann does due diligence in citing his sources. Readers would appreciate the effort of Grann digging deeper into the case of these killings, even after the cases have been closed. Uncovered truths spanned further till this day, which begs the need for us as an American society to do better. It's these moments in US history that bring to the adage, "Only the truth will set us free." 

Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

 

Jim Butcher remains consistent in this urban fantasy of good versus evil, courage, heroism, and mystery. This time we even get to see a development in Harry's romantic life. The mystery narrative is vivid and easy to hook yourself into. The vampiric pageantry is dark, yet opulent. And, Jim Butcher's lick for erotic humor continues to be amusing and unforgettable. 

The supernatural and paranormal befall the windy city, yet again and Harry Dresden, Chicago's investigative wizard is back on the case. Harry has gained some following after his run-in with another wizard involved in a local drug war and ironing out werewolf problems. In this 3rd installment of the Dresden Files, a young lady named Lydia seeks Harry's protection against a malevolent ghost. Meanwhile, Detective Karrin Murphy of Special Investigations calls Harry in for a personal favor. A strange madness has taken over the detective's very own, which only Harry can solve.

Being a Dresden File fan so far, I'm glad this book didn't disappoint and lead me astray. Sometimes a book series can do that. Start you off great and the author one day, just didn't have a great year. With this book, I'm still hooked. Compared to the first two books, we see some character development in Harry. He still is that assertive, protect the ladies first, Harry we know and love. But, in this book we find him being more autocratic. This becomes a trope sometimes when protagonists find themselves in more successful yet dangerous situations as the story progresses. For example, there have been T.V. shows I've seen where the protagonists get into situations where they make rash decisions over things they feel they don't have a choice or control over. Then they spew rhetoric as if their decisions were intended to benefit the team or group when they just want to achieve success over their agenda. I can only imagine this bossiness stems from the added work that has come along or even the thorn Harry might have felt on his side, having to tolerate a new partner. In addition to having a new partner, his new partner derives strength and power purely from religious faith, and sometimes imposes his views. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book. There is also something intriguing, and maybe tenderly said about how authors choose to end their stories.

Overall, Grave Peril was phenomenal. My beloved Bob continues to titillate. I hold an added delight as I read Bob in action, in more chapters than one. The new characters were memorable as well. I hope to read more of them in the next books. 

Click MORE for added info on the Dresden Files and Jim Butcher.

Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

 

In book two of the Dresden Files, Bob has done it again. He has a way to tickle my want for cute things every now and then. Although, Harry Dresden is beginning to be my favorite. A little empathy, reflection chivalry, and bloody (literally) toughness make you my favorite any day. I loved the first book, I'm glad I love this one.

Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, Chicago's only investigative wizard is back on another case. The case is labeled the Lobo Killings for what appears as wolf-like attacks. Detective Karrin Murphy of Chicago PD's Special Investigations is on the hot seat with internal affairs. The last case she and Dresden worked on put a strain on what usually is a smooth work relationship. In addition to the detective's dismay,  the FBI is on the case.

In this installment of the Dresden Files, readers can expect the same supernatural mystery Jim Butcher has been well at crafting. However, this time there are bloodier scenes and a more vulnerable, maybe even sexy Dresden. Power and corruption are seen when we read again about Johnny Marcone's shady ways and the FBI's involvement in a land grab. And redemption is at stake as we see Dresden learn the value of trust and the meaning of partnership.

Fool Moon is a noteworthy sequel. It's like watching a favorite TV show or sports team. There is something about the Dresden Files that gets you invested. Will Dresden allow himself to be more giving towards his partners? This and the amount of explaining the FBI needs to do about the case, how can I stop now? The end has yet to be seen in sight!

Along with the Dresden Files, Jim Butcher is the author of the Codex Alera series and another current series starting with The Aeronaut's Windlass. Click BIO for more on Jim Butcher.

A Case of Four and Twenty Blackbirds by Neil Gaiman

 

Although this title is but one short story in a book of short stories, the book is still worth note-taking. M is for Magic is a collection of short stories using many characters and stories from children's books. It is a book that takes me back to calm rainy afternoons growing up when a major storm had passed. The village's electricity was down. The family was waiting for electricity to return online. Reading a book besides playing outside was preferable to turning the T.V. on to pass the time. For this book, an adult can pull some nostalgia, dare I say humor. At the same time, I recommend young adults in middle grades and up to read this book. There is a transition from childhood to adulthood taking place as we see the wholesome characters and scenes of nursery rhymes reveal a kind of innocence scratching off as we get older.

In the Case of Four and Twenty Blackbirds, a short story in the book M is for Magic, Little Jack Horner is a private investigator. He is tasked with finding the murderer of Humpty Dumpty. According to his sister, Humpty Dumpty having a great fall was no great accident.

This mystery was hard not to pass up and post on this page. Think of the best things about a great noir partnered with the whimsical trappings of your memorable if not favorite nursery rhymes. The thing about nursery rhymes is that when you're a child learning to read and simply uttering a complete word correctly feels encouraging to continue. Pair it with wholesome pictures of characters as cute talking animals, what's not to love? Compared to my previous reviews, I wanted to relax and take a break from the novel reading. But, at the same time, continue gathering up mystery titles.

Like all mysteries, not all is as it seems. With a mind for deduction, and critical thinking Little Jack Horner filters out the seedy personalities in this cool take on crime with the nursery rhymes of your childhood. The reader can reference nursery rhymes such as Sing a Song of Sixpence, Little Jack Horner, Little Bo Peep, The Queen of Hearts, Who Killed Cock Robin, and of course, Humpty Dumpty. I doubt the nursery rhymes tell much as to what happens in the story. But, it certainly was a nice guide to contextual understanding. Look at me getting all academic, just read the book and you'll see what I mean.

Neil Gaiman is the author of many children's books, fiction novels, graphic novels, T.V. shows, and short stories. He's also a champion for literacy and fair treatment of writers as a member of the WGA. Click on BIO to learn more about Neil Gaiman.

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

 

It's a bit off-kilter to compare this book to a TV series because the mediums are different. However, if you enjoyed watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer or its spinoff Angel, this book swims in the same urban fantasy genre. In this story of Good vs. Evil, we view the bad side of wielding magic with our uncontrolled emotions and the terrible results of involving ourselves with drug pushers. 

Harry Dresden is a wizard and investigative consultant who also works part-time with the Chicago Police Department with Detective Murphy. Detective Murphy is the woman the precinct calls when cases are out of the ordinary or extreme. Recently,  Harry Dresden received two cases in need of solving. The first was phoned in by a woman named Monica Sells. A wife with a shy streak who claims had lost her husband. The second case was phoned in by Detective Murphy ordering Harry Dresden to meet her at the Madison Hotel, where two lovers were found dead in strange circumstances. The narrative is entertaining and descriptive. The descriptive detail lets you feel the harrowing action sequences and unsettling imagery as a result of the murders. Another example of unsettling imagery I confess is both a good, and unusual depiction. His name is Bob and he is my favorite character. He is an intelligent, funny, but perverted spirit bound to a skull. He is Harry's lab assistant and is overly enthusiastic about all things of love and the good life. 

I definitely recommend this book for its noir quality. The dive-in bar, the P.I's office, the danger that lurks in corners just with a dash of magic. At the same time, a book like this would be the reason this page is up. It achieves the urban fantasy genre to the T. Or, read it for some of its whimsical characters, like Bob. However, I did have a little gripe about his personal style. To be walking around in a duster day in and out with a blasting rod, I've got to say I agree with Detective Murphy. Did he have to look conspicuously on an adventure to El Dorado? Overall, Harry Dresden has a fine quality about him. He's a bit on the rugged side, earnest and accommodating in solving his cases. But how he does it is why you read this book.

Click on BIO to learn more about Jim Butcher.